10423222

Holographic Waveguide Optical Tracker

PublishedSeptember 24, 2019
Assigneenot available in USPTO data we have
Technical Abstract

Patent Claims
21 claims

Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.

Claim 1

Original Legal Text

1. An object tracker for tracking at least one object using structured light, comprising: a waveguide; a source of illumination light optically coupled to said waveguide; a set of one or more grating lamina elements formed within said waveguide, wherein said waveguide is configured to direct said illumination light along a first optical path from said source to an object via said set of grating lamina elements, and wherein said set of grating lamina elements are configured to modify and diffract said illumination light such that said illumination light is modified by said set of grating lamina elements into structured light having a first signal pattern that is characterized by a first speckle pattern diffracted towards said object; and a detector optically coupled to detect image light reflected from said object, wherein said image light is a reflection of at least a portion said illumination light directed at said object, wherein said image light is structured light having a second signal pattern that is characterized by a second speckle pattern and is a reflected derivative of said first signal pattern, wherein said detector is configured to detect said object by detecting the reflected image light and recording said second signal pattern when said waveguide and said detector are in relative motion with said object.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to an object tracking system using structured light, particularly for applications where the tracker and object are in relative motion. The system addresses challenges in accurately tracking objects in dynamic environments by leveraging structured light patterns to enhance detection and localization. The tracker includes a waveguide optically coupled to a light source, which directs illumination light along a defined path. Embedded within the waveguide are one or more grating lamina elements that modify and diffract the illumination light into structured light with a distinct speckle pattern. This structured light is projected onto the object, and the reflected light, now carrying a modified speckle pattern, is captured by a detector. The detector analyzes the reflected pattern to identify and track the object, even as the waveguide and detector move relative to the object. The system ensures robust tracking by maintaining a consistent signal pattern despite motion, improving accuracy in applications like augmented reality, robotics, or industrial automation. The use of waveguide-based structured light minimizes bulk and enhances portability, making it suitable for compact devices.

Claim 2

Original Legal Text

2. The object tracker of claim 1 wherein said first optical path includes a first waveguide path, wherein said reflected image light travels a second optical path that includes a second waveguide path, wherein said set of grating lamina elements is configured to couple said illumination light out of said first waveguide path towards said object, and wherein said set of grating lamina elements is further configured to couple said reflected image light into said second waveguide path towards said detector.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to an object tracker using waveguide-based optical systems for illumination and image detection. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently directing light to and from an object while maintaining compactness and precision in tracking applications. The object tracker includes a waveguide structure with two distinct optical paths. The first optical path carries illumination light from a light source through a first waveguide path. A set of grating lamina elements within the waveguide couples this light out of the waveguide and directs it toward the object to be tracked. The light reflects off the object, forming reflected image light that travels along a second optical path. This second path includes a second waveguide path, and the same set of grating lamina elements couples the reflected image light into the second waveguide path, directing it toward a detector for analysis. The grating lamina elements serve a dual function: they couple illumination light out of the waveguide for object illumination and couple reflected light back into the waveguide for detection. This design minimizes the system's footprint while ensuring efficient light transmission and precise tracking. The use of waveguides and grating elements enables a compact, integrated optical system suitable for applications requiring high-precision object tracking, such as augmented reality or machine vision systems.

Claim 3

Original Legal Text

3. The object tracker of claim 2 wherein said set of grating lamina elements includes a first switchable grating element having a diffracting state and a non diffracting state, wherein said first switchable grating element in said diffracting state couples said illumination light in said first waveguide path out of said waveguide towards said object and said first switchable grating element further couples said reflected image light into said second waveguide path towards said detector.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to an object tracking system using waveguide-based optical components. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently directing illumination light toward an object and capturing reflected image light for detection, particularly in compact or integrated optical tracking devices. The system includes a waveguide structure with at least two waveguide paths: a first path for guiding illumination light toward an object and a second path for guiding reflected image light toward a detector. A key component is a set of grating lamina elements embedded within the waveguide. These elements selectively couple light between the waveguide and free space. A switchable grating element within the set can alternate between a diffracting state and a non-diffracting state. In the diffracting state, the grating couples illumination light from the first waveguide path out of the waveguide toward the object. The same grating also couples reflected image light from the object into the second waveguide path, directing it toward the detector. This dual functionality allows for efficient bidirectional light management using a single switchable element, reducing system complexity and improving tracking performance. The switchable nature of the grating enables dynamic control over light coupling, enhancing the system's adaptability to varying tracking conditions.

Claim 4

Original Legal Text

4. The object tracker of claim 2 wherein said set of grating lamina elements includes a first and a second switchable grating element, each having a diffracting state and a non-diffracting state, wherein said first switchable grating element in said diffracting state couples said illumination light in said first waveguide path out of said first waveguide towards said object, and wherein said second switchable grating element in said diffracting state couples said reflected image light into said second waveguide path towards said detector.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to an object tracking system using switchable grating elements in waveguide structures. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently directing illumination light towards an object and capturing reflected image light for detection, particularly in compact optical tracking devices. The system includes a first waveguide path for transmitting illumination light and a second waveguide path for transmitting reflected image light. A set of grating lamina elements is integrated into the waveguides, with at least two switchable grating elements. Each grating element can alternate between a diffracting state and a non-diffracting state. The first switchable grating element, when in the diffracting state, couples the illumination light from the first waveguide path outwards towards the object. The second switchable grating element, when in the diffracting state, couples the reflected image light from the object into the second waveguide path, directing it towards a detector. This selective switching allows for precise control of light coupling, enabling efficient object tracking with minimal optical loss. The system may be used in applications such as augmented reality, lidar, or other optical sensing technologies where compact and efficient light management is critical.

Claim 5

Original Legal Text

5. The object tracker of claim 1 wherein said set of grating lamina elements includes a first switchable grating element having a diffracting state and a non diffracting state.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to object tracking systems that use grating-based optical elements to manipulate light for tracking objects in a field of view. The problem addressed is improving the accuracy and efficiency of object tracking by dynamically adjusting the optical properties of grating elements to control light diffraction. The system includes a set of grating lamina elements that interact with incident light to facilitate object tracking. A key feature is a first switchable grating element within this set, which can alternate between a diffracting state and a non-diffracting state. In the diffracting state, the grating element alters the direction of incident light, enabling precise redirection for tracking purposes. In the non-diffracting state, the grating element allows light to pass through without alteration, providing flexibility in optical path configuration. The switchable grating element can be integrated into a larger array of grating lamina elements, each of which may also be switchable or fixed in their optical properties. The ability to dynamically switch between states allows the system to adapt to different tracking scenarios, such as adjusting for varying object positions or environmental conditions. This dynamic control enhances tracking accuracy and reduces computational overhead by optimizing light paths in real time. The invention is particularly useful in applications requiring high-precision object tracking, such as augmented reality, robotics, and automated surveillance, where adaptive optical systems improve performance and reliability.

Claim 6

Original Legal Text

6. The object tracker of claim 1 wherein said set of grating lamina elements includes at least one grating lamina element selected from the group consisting of: a switchable Bragg grating, a switchable grating recorded in a reverse mode holographic polymer dispersed liquid crystal, a switchable grating recorded in a reverse mode holographic polymer dispersed liquid crystal, a surface relief grating and a non switching Bragg grating.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to an object tracking system that uses a set of grating lamina elements to encode and decode positional information for tracking objects. The system addresses the challenge of accurately determining the position of objects in dynamic environments, such as industrial automation, robotics, or augmented reality applications, where precise tracking is essential. The grating lamina elements function as optical filters or diffractive elements that interact with light to encode spatial data, allowing the system to determine the object's position based on the light's diffraction pattern. The grating lamina elements can include various types of switchable or non-switchable gratings. Switchable Bragg gratings can dynamically alter their diffraction properties, enabling reconfigurable tracking. Reverse-mode holographic polymer-dispersed liquid crystal gratings provide high contrast and fast switching for precise tracking. Surface relief gratings offer durable, fixed diffraction patterns, while non-switching Bragg gratings provide stable, long-term tracking capabilities. These elements work together to enhance the system's accuracy, flexibility, and reliability in tracking objects across different environments. The invention improves upon existing tracking methods by leveraging advanced optical materials and structures to achieve higher precision and adaptability.

Claim 7

Original Legal Text

7. The object tracker of claim 1 wherein said set of grating lamina elements includes at least one pair of grating lamina elements, wherein each orating lamina element of said pair of grating lamina elements is configured to diffract said illumination light into output paths in accordance with a k-vector such the illumination light diffracted by said pair of grating lamina elements each converge towards a center of rotation of said object.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to an object tracking system that uses diffractive optics to precisely track the position and orientation of an object. The system addresses the challenge of accurately determining an object's rotational state, which is critical in applications such as robotics, augmented reality, and precision manufacturing. Traditional tracking methods often suffer from limitations in resolution, speed, or robustness, particularly when dealing with dynamic or reflective surfaces. The system employs a set of grating lamina elements that diffract illumination light into specific output paths. At least one pair of these grating lamina elements is configured to diffract the light in such a way that the diffracted beams converge toward the center of rotation of the object. This convergence allows for precise measurement of the object's rotational position by analyzing the interference or detection patterns of the diffracted light. The grating lamina elements are designed to manipulate the k-vector (wave vector) of the light, ensuring that the diffracted beams follow predictable paths that can be correlated to the object's movement. By using diffractive optics, the system achieves high-resolution tracking with minimal mechanical complexity. The convergence of diffracted beams toward the rotational center enhances accuracy, as any deviation in the object's position or orientation directly affects the detected light pattern. This approach improves upon conventional tracking methods by providing a more robust and scalable solution for dynamic environments. The system can be integrated into various applications requiring precise object tracking, such as industrial automation, medical devices, and virtual reality systems.

Claim 8

Original Legal Text

8. The object tracker of claim 1 wherein said set of grating lamina elements includes at least two grating lamina elements, and wherein each grating lamina element of said set of grating lamina elements is configured to diffract said illumination light into parallel output paths.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to an object tracking system that uses a set of grating lamina elements to diffract illumination light into parallel output paths for improved tracking accuracy. The system addresses the challenge of precisely tracking objects in dynamic environments by enhancing the resolution and directionality of light detection. The grating lamina elements are designed to split incoming illumination light into multiple parallel beams, which are then used to detect and analyze the position and movement of objects. Each grating lamina element in the set operates independently to ensure that the diffracted light paths remain parallel, minimizing interference and improving signal clarity. The parallel output paths allow for simultaneous detection from multiple angles, increasing the system's ability to track objects in three dimensions. This configuration enhances the tracking system's robustness against environmental noise and improves its ability to resolve fine movements. The invention is particularly useful in applications requiring high-precision tracking, such as industrial automation, robotics, and augmented reality systems. The use of multiple grating lamina elements ensures redundancy and reliability, making the system suitable for demanding tracking tasks.

Claim 9

Original Legal Text

9. The object tracker of claim 1 wherein said detector is connected to an image processing apparatus for determining at least one spatio-temporal characteristic of an object movement.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to object tracking systems, specifically improving the accuracy and reliability of detecting and analyzing object movements in video or image sequences. The system addresses challenges in real-time tracking, such as occlusions, varying lighting conditions, and complex backgrounds, which can degrade tracking performance. The object tracker includes a detector that identifies objects within a captured image or video frame. This detector is connected to an image processing apparatus that analyzes the detected objects to determine at least one spatio-temporal characteristic of their movement. Spatio-temporal characteristics may include velocity, acceleration, trajectory, or other motion-related parameters over time. The image processing apparatus applies algorithms to extract these features, enabling the system to predict future object positions, classify movement patterns, or trigger specific actions based on the analyzed motion. The detector may use techniques such as computer vision, machine learning, or sensor fusion to identify objects, while the image processing apparatus employs filtering, pattern recognition, or statistical methods to refine movement data. This combination enhances tracking robustness, making the system suitable for applications like surveillance, autonomous navigation, or human-computer interaction. The invention improves upon prior art by integrating real-time motion analysis with object detection, providing more accurate and context-aware tracking capabilities.

Claim 10

Original Legal Text

10. The object tracker of claim 1 further comprising an image processing system which includes at least one of an edge finding algorithm, a centroid detection algorithm or a neural network.

Plain English Translation

The invention relates to an object tracking system designed to improve the accuracy and efficiency of detecting and tracking objects in a visual field. Traditional object tracking systems often struggle with real-time performance, especially in complex environments with varying lighting conditions, occlusions, or fast-moving objects. This system addresses these challenges by incorporating advanced image processing techniques to enhance tracking reliability. The object tracker includes an image processing system that utilizes at least one of three key algorithms: an edge finding algorithm, a centroid detection algorithm, or a neural network. The edge finding algorithm identifies boundaries within an image to distinguish objects from their surroundings, improving object localization. The centroid detection algorithm calculates the geometric center of detected objects, providing a stable reference point for tracking even as the object moves or changes shape. The neural network, if included, leverages machine learning to recognize and classify objects, adapting to different scenarios and improving tracking accuracy over time. These components work together to process visual data, enabling the system to maintain precise tracking of objects in dynamic environments. The integration of these algorithms ensures robustness against noise, partial occlusions, and varying object appearances, making the system suitable for applications in surveillance, robotics, and autonomous navigation.

Claim 11

Original Legal Text

11. The object tracker of claim 1 wherein the waveguide and detector are implemented in a device selected from the group consisting of: an eye tracker, a LIDAR, an eye-slaved display, a display implementing foveated rendering, and a display using gaze vector data to adjust a displayed image to provide vergence accommodation related depth cues.

Plain English Translation

The invention relates to an object tracker that uses a waveguide and detector to track objects, particularly for applications requiring precise spatial tracking. The waveguide directs light from an object to the detector, which captures the light for analysis. The system is designed to minimize optical aberrations and improve tracking accuracy by optimizing the waveguide's geometry and the detector's placement. The waveguide may include reflective or refractive elements to guide light efficiently, while the detector is positioned to receive the directed light with minimal distortion. This configuration enhances the system's ability to track objects in real-time, even in dynamic environments. The object tracker is particularly useful in devices such as eye trackers, LIDAR systems, eye-slaved displays, and displays implementing foveated rendering. In eye tracking, the system monitors gaze direction by analyzing light reflected from the eye. For LIDAR, it measures distances by detecting reflected laser pulses. In eye-slaved displays, the tracker adjusts the display based on the user's gaze, while foveated rendering displays use it to optimize image resolution where the user is looking. Additionally, the tracker can adjust displayed images to provide depth cues, improving vergence accommodation in virtual or augmented reality applications. The system's modular design allows integration into various devices, enhancing their tracking capabilities.

Claim 12

Original Legal Text

12. The object tracker of claim 1 wherein said set of grating lamina elements is configured to diffract said illumination light into multiple illumination perspectives such that reflected high signal to noise ratio throughout the field of view.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to an object tracking system that improves signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in optical tracking applications. The system addresses the challenge of maintaining high-quality tracking performance across a wide field of view, where traditional methods often suffer from reduced SNR due to variations in illumination angles and reflection characteristics. The object tracker includes a set of grating lamina elements designed to diffract illumination light into multiple perspectives. These elements are structured to distribute light in a way that enhances reflection uniformity, ensuring consistent high SNR across the entire field of view. The grating lamina elements may be arranged in a specific pattern or orientation to optimize light distribution based on the target object's surface properties and the tracking environment. The system may also incorporate additional components, such as light sources, sensors, and processing units, to capture and analyze reflected light. The diffracted illumination ensures that reflections from different angles are captured with minimal noise, improving tracking accuracy and reliability. This approach is particularly useful in applications requiring precise object positioning, such as augmented reality, robotics, and industrial automation, where consistent tracking performance is critical. The invention provides a solution to the problem of SNR degradation in wide-field tracking scenarios by leveraging structured light diffraction to maintain optimal illumination conditions.

Claim 13

Original Legal Text

13. The object tracker of claim 1 wherein said detector is a fast low resolution detector.

Plain English Translation

The invention relates to object tracking systems, specifically improving tracking accuracy and efficiency by incorporating a fast low-resolution detector. Traditional object tracking systems often struggle with balancing speed and accuracy, particularly in dynamic environments where objects move quickly or appear at varying resolutions. The invention addresses this by using a fast low-resolution detector to quickly identify potential objects of interest in a scene. This detector operates at a lower resolution, allowing for rapid processing while still capturing sufficient information to locate objects. The low-resolution data is then used to guide higher-resolution tracking or analysis, improving overall system performance. The fast low-resolution detector reduces computational overhead compared to traditional high-resolution detectors, making the system more efficient without sacrificing tracking accuracy. This approach is particularly useful in applications such as surveillance, autonomous navigation, and real-time monitoring, where both speed and accuracy are critical. The invention ensures that objects are detected and tracked reliably, even in challenging conditions, by leveraging the strengths of low-resolution detection for initial identification and subsequent refinement.

Claim 14

Original Legal Text

14. The object tracker of claim 1 wherein signal of said first and said second signal pattern is further characterized by at least one of: beam intensity profile, phase distribution, or beam direction.

Plain English Translation

An object tracking system is designed to monitor and analyze the movement of objects within a defined space. The system addresses challenges in accurately tracking objects, particularly in dynamic environments where objects may move unpredictably or where environmental factors interfere with tracking accuracy. The system utilizes multiple signal patterns to detect and track objects, where each signal pattern is characterized by specific properties such as beam intensity profile, phase distribution, or beam direction. These properties enhance the system's ability to distinguish between different objects and improve tracking precision. The signal patterns are generated and processed to provide detailed information about the objects' positions, velocities, and trajectories. By analyzing variations in beam intensity, phase shifts, or directional changes, the system can accurately determine the movement and behavior of tracked objects. This approach ensures reliable tracking even in complex scenarios, such as crowded environments or areas with reflective surfaces. The system's ability to adapt to different signal characteristics allows for flexible and robust object tracking in various applications, including surveillance, robotics, and industrial automation.

Claim 15

Original Legal Text

15. The object tracker of claim 1 further comprising a lens that focuses said image light onto said detector.

Plain English Translation

Technical Summary: The invention relates to an object tracking system designed to improve the accuracy and efficiency of detecting and tracking objects in a given environment. The system addresses challenges in traditional tracking methods, such as limited precision, sensitivity to environmental conditions, and computational overhead. The core component is an object tracker that captures and processes image data to identify and monitor objects over time. The object tracker includes a detector that receives image light from the environment and converts it into electrical signals for analysis. To enhance detection performance, the system incorporates a lens that focuses the incoming image light onto the detector. This optical component ensures that the light is properly directed and concentrated, improving the detector's ability to capture clear and detailed images. The focused light enhances the signal-to-noise ratio, allowing for more accurate object identification and tracking, even in low-light or dynamic conditions. The system may also include additional features, such as image processing algorithms that analyze the detector's output to extract object characteristics, such as position, velocity, and shape. These algorithms may employ machine learning or pattern recognition techniques to improve tracking reliability. The overall design aims to provide a robust and adaptable solution for applications in surveillance, robotics, autonomous vehicles, and industrial automation.

Claim 16

Original Legal Text

16. The object tracker of claim 1 wherein said detector is configured to detect said object when said object is fixed in a three dimensional space and said waveguide or said detector are in motion relative to said object.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to an object tracking system designed to detect and track objects in a three-dimensional space, particularly when the object remains stationary while the waveguide or detector moves relative to it. The system addresses challenges in tracking objects in dynamic environments where traditional fixed-position sensors may fail due to relative motion between the tracking device and the target. The object tracker includes a waveguide and a detector configured to identify the presence and position of an object. The waveguide directs signals or light to the object, while the detector captures reflections or responses to determine the object's location. The system is optimized for scenarios where the object is stationary, and either the waveguide or the detector (or both) moves relative to it. This allows for accurate tracking in applications such as robotics, autonomous navigation, or industrial automation where the tracking device may be in motion while the target remains fixed. The detector is specifically designed to compensate for the relative motion, ensuring reliable detection even when the waveguide or detector shifts position. The system may incorporate signal processing techniques to filter out motion-induced noise and maintain precise tracking. This capability enhances the robustness of the tracker in real-world applications where environmental conditions or movement could otherwise degrade performance. The invention improves upon prior art by providing a solution tailored to scenarios involving relative motion between the tracking components and the target object.

Claim 17

Original Legal Text

17. The object tracker of claim 1 wherein said detector is configured to detect said object when said waveguide or said detector move along a curvilinear path in three dimensional space.

Plain English Translation

Technical Summary: This invention relates to object tracking systems, specifically improving the detection capabilities of waveguide-based trackers when the system or the object moves along a non-linear path in three-dimensional space. Traditional object tracking systems often struggle with maintaining accurate detection when either the tracking device or the object undergoes complex movements, leading to errors in position or orientation measurements. The invention addresses this by incorporating a detector configured to reliably identify and track objects even when the waveguide or the detector itself follows a curvilinear trajectory. The waveguide serves as a medium for guiding light or other signals used in object detection, while the detector processes these signals to determine the object's position. The system is designed to compensate for the dynamic movement, ensuring consistent tracking performance regardless of the path's curvature or dimensional complexity. Key features include the ability to maintain detection accuracy during three-dimensional motion, which is particularly useful in applications such as robotics, autonomous navigation, or augmented reality, where objects and sensors may move in unpredictable or non-linear ways. The invention enhances the robustness of the tracking system by accounting for spatial variations introduced by curvilinear movement, thereby reducing errors and improving reliability in real-world scenarios.

Claim 18

Original Legal Text

18. The object tracker of claim 1 wherein said set of grating lamina elements include a first and a second grating lamina element, wherein said first grating lamina element is configured to diverge said illumination light into a first beam divergence width, and wherein said second grating lamina element is configured to diverge said illumination light into a second beam divergence width, and wherein said first and said second beam divergence widths are different.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to an object tracker that uses a set of grating lamina elements to control the divergence of illumination light for tracking objects. The problem addressed is the need for precise control over the beam divergence to optimize tracking performance under varying conditions. The tracker includes a first and a second grating lamina element, each configured to diverge the illumination light into different beam divergence widths. The first grating lamina element produces a first beam divergence width, while the second grating lamina element produces a second beam divergence width, with the two widths being distinct. This allows the tracker to adjust the beam spread dynamically, improving accuracy and reliability in object detection and tracking. The grating lamina elements may be part of a larger optical system that directs the illumination light toward an object, and the reflected or scattered light is then analyzed to determine the object's position or movement. The different divergence widths enable the system to adapt to different tracking scenarios, such as varying distances or environmental conditions, ensuring robust performance. The invention enhances the flexibility and precision of object tracking systems by providing configurable beam divergence through specialized grating elements.

Claim 19

Original Legal Text

19. The object tracker of claim 1 wherein said set of grating lamina elements include a first and a second grating lamina element, wherein said first grating lamina element is configured to modify said illumination light into a first speckle contrast, and wherein said second grating lamina element is configured to modify said illumination light into a second speckle contrast, wherein said first and said second speckle contrasts are different, and wherein said first speckle pattern is characterized by at least said first and said second speckle contrasts.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to an object tracker that uses structured illumination with controlled speckle patterns to enhance tracking accuracy. The system addresses challenges in tracking objects in complex environments where conventional illumination methods produce inconsistent or low-contrast speckle patterns, leading to tracking errors. The object tracker includes a set of grating lamina elements that modify illumination light to generate speckle patterns with varying contrast levels. Specifically, the set includes at least two grating lamina elements: a first grating lamina element that modifies the illumination light to produce a first speckle contrast and a second grating lamina element that modifies the illumination light to produce a second speckle contrast. The first and second speckle contrasts are intentionally different, allowing the system to generate a composite speckle pattern characterized by these distinct contrast levels. This variation in speckle contrast improves the system's ability to distinguish between different object features and environmental conditions, enhancing tracking precision. The structured illumination with controlled speckle patterns enables more reliable object tracking in dynamic or cluttered environments.

Claim 20

Original Legal Text

20. The object tracker of claim 1 wherein said set of grating lamina elements include a first and a second grating lamina element, wherein said orating lamina first element is configured to modify said illumination light into a first speckle grain size, and wherein said second grating lamina element is configured to modify said illumination light into a second speckle grain size, wherein said first and said second speckle grain sizes are different, and wherein said first speckle pattern is characterized by at least said first and said second speckle grain sizes.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to an object tracker that uses structured illumination with variable speckle patterns to enhance tracking accuracy. The system addresses the challenge of reliably tracking objects in dynamic environments where conventional tracking methods may fail due to insufficient contrast or pattern resolution. The tracker employs a set of grating lamina elements to modulate illumination light, creating distinct speckle patterns with different grain sizes. Specifically, the system includes at least two grating lamina elements: a first element that modifies the illumination light to produce a first speckle grain size and a second element that modifies the illumination light to produce a second, different speckle grain size. The resulting speckle pattern is characterized by these varying grain sizes, allowing for improved object detection and tracking by providing multiple levels of spatial resolution. This approach enhances the system's ability to distinguish fine details and track objects with higher precision, particularly in scenarios where lighting conditions or surface properties would otherwise degrade performance. The variable speckle patterns enable adaptive tracking, compensating for environmental factors and object motion.

Claim 21

Original Legal Text

21. The object tracker of claim 1 wherein a first speckle pattern is formed in part by varying size or shape of the two-dimensional area of a number of grating lamina elements within the set of grating laminas.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to object tracking systems that use speckle patterns for precise positioning and movement detection. The problem addressed is the need for high-resolution tracking with minimal hardware complexity, particularly in applications requiring accurate motion analysis or environmental sensing. The system includes a set of grating laminas, each containing multiple grating lamina elements arranged in a two-dimensional area. These elements generate a speckle pattern when illuminated, which is then analyzed to determine object position or movement. The speckle pattern is formed by varying the size or shape of the two-dimensional area of the grating lamina elements within the set. This variation enhances the distinctiveness of the speckle pattern, improving tracking accuracy and robustness against environmental noise. The grating laminas may be arranged in a layered or stacked configuration, with each lamina contributing to the overall speckle pattern. The system may also include a light source and a sensor to capture the speckle pattern, which is processed to extract positional or motion data. The varying size or shape of the grating lamina elements allows for fine-tuned control over the speckle pattern's characteristics, enabling precise tracking in diverse applications such as robotics, industrial automation, or medical imaging. The invention improves upon existing tracking methods by leveraging structured speckle patterns for higher resolution without requiring complex or expensive components.

Patent Metadata

Filing Date

Unknown

Publication Date

September 24, 2019

Inventors

Milan Momcilo POPOVICH
Jonathan David WALDERN
Alastair John GRANT
Kimberly Sun LOKOVIC

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HOLOGRAPHIC WAVEGUIDE OPTICAL TRACKER